Train Derails In India; 23 Dead, 100s Injured

About two dozen people died and 400 others injured after 14 coaches of Kalinga Utkal Express train derailed near Khatauli in Indian state of Uttar Pradesh Saturday evening. Many were trapped inside for hours.

A press release from the Uttar Pradesh Director General of Police said, 25 people have been reported dead and 400 others wounded.

The train was bound for Haridwar in Indian state of Uttarakhand and went off the tracks at around 5.45 p.m. Indian (local time) in Khatauli in Meerut-Seharanpu Division.

The impact was very high and one of the coaches mounted on another in the Meerut-Sahaf. Even one coach could be seen mounted on another.

When asked whether a terror angle could be seen in the derailment of Puri-Haridwar Kaling Utkal Express, the railways and police officials said all the options are now kept open.

Rescue team responded to the sight immediately while the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) too joined them later in rescuing trapped people.

A team of ATS too rushed to the scene headed by DSP Anoop Singh.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath is learned to have directed the principal secretary (Home) Arvind Kumar as well as the Muzaffarnagar district magistrate (DM) to ensure prompt rescue.

The express train was scheduled to reach Haridwar at 9 p.m. Saturday night. It left Puri a day before at the same time.

Indian Railways Minister Suresh Prabhu said he is personally monitoring the situation. He said, “I am personally monitoring situation. Have instructed senior officers to reach site immediately and ensure speedy rescue and relief operations.”

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Paul Linus - Paul Linus is an eminent online journalist who has been writing news, features and editorials on different websites from across the world for about a decade. He can be contacted at knowledgeherald@gmail.com